The phrase “kids eat free” is music to every parent’s ears. It’s always nice to save a few bucks, but it’s especially true for kids who aren’t particularly interested in eating what you order. In fact, eating out with kids can sometimes be a bit of a gamble, and your hard-earned money can end up in a bowl of mac and cheese that the server has to clean up. But when kids eat free, at least you don’t have to pay for wasted food.
Where can children eat for free?
We’ve put together a handy guide to national restaurant chains that offer free kids’ meals to help you decide where to go when dining out with your family. Sadly, since we started compiling this list, many of the free kids’ meals have disappeared (or been replaced by discounted kids’ meals, which aren’t as good as free).
| Eat for free every day | Eat free on Mondays | Eat free on Tuesdays | Eat free on Wednesdays | Eat for free on Saturdays | Eat for free on Sundays |
Remember, restaurant staff work just as hard whether you pay for your kids’ meals or not. Be sure to include that in your tip at the end of the meal.
Some mandatory disclaimers:
- Some restaurants require you to provide coupons, verbally request a free or discounted meal, or join the restaurant’s rewards program to receive a free kids’ meal. These details are included below.
- We currently only post offers advertised on restaurant websites or social media sites. Some restaurant chains (for example., Applebee’s, Johnny Rockets, Steak N’ Shake) may offer local franchise deals that aren’t on this list. Call to find out! And don’t forget to check your local non-chain restaurants for great deals.
- The offers in this list are current as of the date this article was published. Some may expire or be limited to certain participating locations.
- Restaurants are listed alphabetically.
A restaurant where kids eat free every day
Brewster’s Ice Cream
If you have a little one under 40 inches tall, Bruster’s offers a free baby cone any day of the week. Just make sure you bring a wipe for half the cone, because they’re going to end up on your face and shirt!
Chili’s
Anyone who has joined the My Chili’s Rewards program can participate in the Kids Eat Free promotion when it is available. Members will receive email and text notifications about the free kids’ meal for children 12 and under with the purchase of a regular entrée. The kids’ menu, called Pepper Pals at Chili’s, includes burger bites, pizza, and macaroni and cheese.
Dennis
Denny’s offers Kids Eat Free Days for Rewards members (more on how this program works here ), but the exact days vary by location. During Kids Eat Free Day, adults who spend $6 or more are eligible for a kid’s menu item, such as Junior Alfredo Pasta or Mini Corn Dogs.
cracker barrel
Cracker Barrel occasionally offers a limited-time Kids Eat Free special. Through May 9, get up to two free kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entree Monday through Thursday after 6 p.m. This offer is valid in-store only (tell the cashier you want to claim the offer).
ihop
IHOP doesn’t always offer free kids meals, but it does occasionally. You’ll see it often in the summer. Typically, when this deal is active, participating locations (restaurants only) offer a free kids meal from the kids menu with the purchase of a regular adult meal every day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Even if the promotion isn’t active, you can still get the discount by ordering from the kids menu.
Red Robin
Red Robin celebrates birthdays with free benefits for children 17 and under. On their birthday, children receive a free sundae and a special song. You must add your child to your loyalty account and enter their birthday to qualify. Red Robin loyalty program members are eligible for a free burger or main dish during their birthday month.
bar grill
When you order a regular priced main course, your child will receive a free chicken or tofu mini bowl. This offer is valid Monday to Friday after 4pm, and all day Saturday and Sunday. If you order online, you must use the promo code found here.
Restaurants where kids eat free on Mondays
Fuddrucker
We called several places to make sure this was still happening. Every Monday, Fuddruckers offers a low-priced kids meal for just $1.99. Meals include a main dish, a drink, a side dish, and a cookie, and must be purchased by an adult. Main dish options include burgers, chicken tenders, and corn dogs. Participation may vary, so check with your location.
Restaurants where kids eat free on Tuesdays
Bob Evans
On Tuesdays, you can get a free kids’ meal when you spend $15 on the Bob Evans app. Must order through the app, limit 1 per customer. Learn more.
Ruby Tuesday
When do kids eat free on Ruby Tuesdays? That’s right. From 5 p.m. on Tuesdays until closing time at participating locations, kids can choose menu items like cheese pizza or cheeseburger sliders, along with fresh sides like grapes or broccoli (kids love broccoli, right?). Free entree must be purchased with one adult entree. Learn more.
Take advantage of our Ruby Tuesday discounts, whether you visit on Tuesday or any other day!
Restaurants where kids eat free on wednesdays
Chevy Fresh Mex
Kids Meal is $1 per person 12 and under at participating locations on Wednesdays. Adult meal purchase required. All-day dining on Wednesdays. Kids can choose from quesadillas, tacos, Fresh Mex Chicken Bits, and more. Learn more.
Ikea
After dragging the kids around IKEA, head to the IKEA Restaurant before heading home to assemble your new furniture. On Wednesdays, get up to two free kids’ main dishes when you purchase an adult main dish. IKEA Family members only. Learn more.
Save on furniture and food with IKEA deals.
Ruby’s
Children 12 and under eat free at Luby’s on Wednesdays and Saturdays at participating locations. Meals include a main dish (for example., Bacon Cheesesteak, Roasted Turkey, Fish) or 3 Vegetable Plate, Jell-O and Beverage. This restaurant-exclusive offer requires the purchase of an adult meal. Learn more.
Red Robin
Not free, but get 50% off kids’ meals at participating locations every Wednesday (learn more). Valid for kids 11 and under. Each kids’ meal includes a main dish, side, and drink (free refills and unlimited sides if you dine in). Minimum purchase required. Valid for dine-in, takeout, or delivery (but not 3rd party apps).
Smash Burger
Get a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal (appetizer, drink, side). This free offer is available to children 12 and under and is valid on dine-in orders only at participating locations. Learn more.
Restaurants where kids eat free on Saturdays
modern market
Kids eat free after 5pm on Saturdays. Kids get a free meal with every adult entry. Dine-in only. See details.
Steak and Shake
This menu varies widely, so call ahead to confirm. However, during the promotion, select locations will be offering a free meal with the purchase of a $9 adult meal for kids 12 and under all day Saturday and Sunday, right after your child’s soccer game. The chain is known for its burgers, but Steak ‘n Shake has more to offer. There are also mini corn dogs, grilled cheese, and chicken fingers on the kids’ menu, all served with fries or applesauce. Just don’t order Junior a milkshake. It doesn’t count!
Take advantage of Steak ‘n Shake specials to save a little on your meal or even get a free milkshake.
Restaurants where kids eat free on Sundays
Dicky’s BBQ Pit
I called several places to confirm. Sunday dinner is free for kids at Dickey’s BBQ Pit. Anyone 12 and under can get a free slider or chicken nugget with a minimum $12 purchase on Sunday. This offer is only available at participating locations, so call ahead.
Save money on barbecue with Dickey’s discounts.
modern market
Kids eat free after 5pm on Saturdays. Kids get a free meal with every adult entry. Dine-in only. See details.
The post 15+ Restaurants Where Kids Can Eat Free in 2024 first appeared on RetailMeNot’s The Real Deal.
